US Telco Support > CenturyLink > [Embarq] Need help with new modem.

[Embarq] Need help with new modem.

I am not an expert on line stats but it seems you have high attenuation on the upstream did you post 40 as your upstream and 19 as downstream or vice versa?

In the case of the TP-Link the downstream attenuation is shown as 40 db and upstream attenuation is 19.6 db.

In the case of the ZyXEL the figures are:

noise margin upstream: 0 db
noise margin downstream: 14 db
attenuation upstream: 0 db
attenuation downstream: 30 db
output power upstream: 0 db
output power downstream: 18 db

I wonder why the upstream is so much higher with the TP-Link? On the other hand how can the attenuation on the ZyXEL be 0db upstream? I appreciate your advice.

I doubt that anything can be done about the upstream sync rate other than increasing it
Have you checked the dsl stats with the modem connnected to the nid test jack

I'm using a EQ-660R due to a similar situation. The downstream data rate always stays at a high rate and the unit has never lost connection.

I've tried Westell and Actiontec modem/wireless routers and each had issues with the connection dropping. In addition to dropped connections, the downstream data rate was also unstable and would synch in at a lower rate than the 660 would.

When I added wireless routers for two friends CenturyLink/Embarq broadband service some time ago the one thing I found as a disadvantage with the EQ-660R. Once the modem was placed in the bridged mode all access to the modem web interface is lost until the modem is reset to factory default. I am looking for a reliable modem that can be bridged without the loss of access to the modem web interface. I need a basic modem that can be bridged because I am using a wireless router with both a and b/g/n wireless bands. I am also wondering if the data rates shown on the status page of the EQ-660R are actually the provisioned rates and not the actual download and upload rates.

Have you had any experience with the Actiontec GT701D. The user manual does not indicate whether or not it can be placed in a true transparent bridged mode and if the web interface still functions if it is placed in the bridged mode.

I was not able to place the TP-Link TD-8816 in any mode that supports transparent bridging so I will probably return it to the dealer for credit and purchase a P-660R or GT701D. Your advice will be appreciated.

I installed a four port wired router between my laptop and modem. I tried several configurations of the Modem:

Encapsulation:

PPPoE - Bridge Interface deactivated

PPPoE - Bridge Interface activated

Bridge Mode

Each time I changed modes I used the release and renew radio buttons on the routers status page to attempt to obtain an IP address from the ISP. Under all circumstances I was not able to pull an IP address from the ISP. I was only able to access a non route-able IP address 192.168.1.101. I am still trying to figure how I can pull an IP address directly from the ISP.
Regards

What devices(s) are you using to connect to the internet right now

reply to Mr Matt
When you have a internet connection you must end the pppoe session before you can start another pppoe session

reply to Mr Matt
I think your router's request for an IP address being intercepted by the modem because its DHCP address server is still active even when the modem's WAN port is in bridge mode.

If so, in addition to configuring the the WAN port of the modem for bridge mode, you need to configure the modem's LAN so that its DHCP server is turned off.

reply to Mr Matt

reply to wayjac

Current configuration

Since you're on DHCP, reset the modem to factory defaults and start over. Set the VPI/VCI, and make sure it's configured for Dynamic IP. The modem should get a public IP, and the modem's router should hand out private IP's to the LAN devices. You should be able to connect a PC and have internet access.

If you're going to be using your own router, then put the modem in bridge mode (release the WAN IP first). This should disable the router functions of the modem. Set the router for Dynamic IP and connect it to the modem. The router should receive a public IP, and the PC's connected to the router should have internet access.

If the modem has a Wizard or Assistant or something to switch between Bridge and Router modes, then use it. Trying to manually adjust the settings to accomplish the switch is just asking for a headache.

reply to Mr Matt

I was locked out of my service because I was not aware of the issue that wayjac and billaustin mentioned. When I replaced the TD-8816 with the modem provided by CenturyLink, there is no way to release the ISP's IP address through the TD-8816 user interface. I was unable to obtain a new IP address.

I am very disappointed with the TD-8816 because it lacks radio buttons to release and renew the IP address supplied by the ISP. I have been unable to find a way to truly bridge the modem. I have been in contact with TP-Link customer service and have been waiting for a reply for two days. I will probably have to send that unit back and request a refund from Buy.com.

Things have gotten worse. I purchased a ZyXEL P-660 and just received it. Although the download and upload speeds are the same as the EQ-660F supplied by CenturyLink, it turns out the modem that I received, is an older version with firmware dated 3/2009. There is no updates available but there are updates available for the newer version. The other problem is that this version does not have release, renew and bridge mode radio buttons on the status screen like the modem supplied by CenturyLink does. The only way to switch to the bridge mode is to telenet into the modem and use a command line interface to complete a multi step process. There is no way to manually release the IP address. I will also have to contact Buy.com and see it there is any way to have the modem that I received replaced with the current model.

Have anyone reading this thread experienced the problem I am experiencing when ordering a product from a legitimate company via the internet, then receiving a product that it is obsolete rather than the current version?

reply to Mr Matt
The P660 is that way by design. It is a basic DSL modem. You should be able to connect it, put it in bridge mode, and not have to worry about it until it dies.

The updates on the other modems are mostly for web interface and routing functions. There have not been any changes in the underlying DSL Protocols for quite some time.

Look at the Buy.com page for the modem you bought, and then get the datasheet for that specific model from the Zyxel web site. You will probably find that you received exactly what you ordered.